The Mary & Anna Memorial Youth Fund was established to honor the legacy of two Pacific Northwest endurance icons, Anna Sampson and Mary Nunn, to pay tribute to the many gifts the duo had bestowed upon those who participate in the sport of long distance riding and chose a way that would further Mary’s and Anna’s priorities. This fund pays up to 50% of the full-price ride entry fee for those under 18 years of age. Often, ride managers make “in kind” donations by discounting the other 50% of the ride entry fee so that youth compete for free!
Annual Reports
History
In the winter of 2017/18, the Pacific Northwest endurance community lost two icons – Anna Sampson and Mary Nunn, both who started their endurance careers in the 1980’s.
Mary had 4,345 competitive miles, was a skilled equestrian, training and starting horses for herself, her children and ultimately her grandchildren. She was the epitome of a super volunteer – ride manager for several “crown jewel events” in the region. She also worked on various endurance club committees, was an award sponsor, coach, mentor, and confidant to all involved in the sport.
Anna accumulated 3,685 competitive miles, was a ride timer/secretary extraordinaire and demonstrated the essence of what it means to “give-back.” Anna was a foster parent to many children, helping them to become mature, capable adults. She may have been considered Mary’s sidekick, but she was just as strong and talented.
What adds to the legacy of these two amazing women, is their bond of friendship. They were neighbors, they rode together, their families grew up together and were part of the glue that joined them. They were so connected that you could not say one of their names without saying the other’s.
This duo loved supporting individuals new to the sport, but even more, they loved supporting junior and youth riders. Nothing made Mary and Anna beam more with joy than when they were around kids, family, and horses.
Honoring Their Legacy
In trying to identify the “right thing to do” one simply had to look at how Anna and Mary chose to live their lives. They gave to everyone, welcomed everyone, respected all – but children were a constant priority. Mary would train and prepare a horse so that it would be a safe mount. Anna brought children into the Sampson home with love and security… giving them a solid foundation upon which to grow and bloom.
So, with their passing, the Equine Distance Riding Association (EDRA) wished to pay tribute to the many gifts the duo had bestowed upon those who participate in the sport of long- distance riding and chose a way that would further Mary’s and Anna’s priorities. Thus, the Mary & Anna Memorial Youth Fund was established.
The Fund pays half the full-price ride entry fee for any child under age 18 who enters an event recognized by Pacific Northwest Endurance Rides, Inc.
Accomplishments
Since the Fund’s inception in 2018, 177 different children have benefited and over 1,000 ride entry subsidies have been provided. The Fund has paid out over $42,000 and ride managers have provided an additional $17,000 of in-kind donations, equating to $59,000 in financial assistance. Additionally, many ride managers in the Pacific Northwest have adopted a “kids ride free” pricing policy, making the region a leader in building an equestrian sport that is financially attractive and viable for children and their parents. Collectively the endurance community in the Pacific Northwest welcomes and supports future generations of riders, building opportunities for those children interested in the challenge of the contest so many of us love.
